Mice

The cute and cuddly storybook image of the mouse stands in stark contrast to the damage it can cause and the diseases it can spread in real life. Mice will chew through wood and even electrical insulation which can cause fires.

Are mice hazardous to humans?Yes. Mice contaminate food with their droppings and urine. They spread such diseases as salmonella bacteria (food poisoning), leptospirosis, and typhus. As well, they carry parasites such as fleas, roundworms, and mites.

When are mice most common?Mice are year-round pests. Activity and indoor migration increases as the weather gets cooler.

Where do mice build nests?Mice nest in any safe location close to food, preferring the spaces in double walls, between ceilings and floors, and closed-in areas around counters. Noises made by their running, gnawing, and scratching will provide clues to their actual location.

What are their breeding habits? Do mice multiply quickly?The average life span of a mouse is 18 months. The young are born about 19 days after breeding and mature rapidly. A single female may have as many as 8 litters per year, averaging 5 to 6 young each. By 3 months, the young are independent and capable of reproduction.

Do mice die off in cold months?No. Mice can survive outdoors during the winter under certain conditions, but generally invade buildings when the weather turns cold.

What can I do to prevent an infestation of mice?The most important thing you can do is to seal all openings to the outside of your building.